VALEDICTORY.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 135, 18 June 1901, Page 3

VALEDICTORY.

A very pleasing function took place vesterday afternoon, when tho members of the Gisborne Tent of the Independent 1 Order of Rechabites met to present Bro. W. A. Hamblett, their departing secretary, with a farewell gift. The Rev. Bro. Canon Webb, P.C.E., in making the presentation, referred to the very estimable qualities possessed by Bro. Hamblett. He had known Bro. Hamblett for the last nine years, and had found him to be a very good and useful member of society, besides being energetic, businesslike, and earnest in his work for the Tent. He asked Bro. Hamblstt’s acceptance of a writing desk (which was a very handsome one), and read the following letter which accompanied it : “On behalf of the Gisborne Tent, No. 54, 1.0. R., S.U., its officers and members, we beg to express our sincere regret at your approaching departure from our midst, and to ask your acceptance of the accompanying gift, as a small token of the esteem in which you have been held by the members. While as a Tent we deeply regret the loss of your services as secretary, we one and all join to congratulate you on your promotion, and wish you health, happiness, and prosperity throughout your future career. —Yours fraterM. G. Nasmith, jun., C. R.; A. W. Kirk, P.C.R., Acting-Secretary ; W. Birch, Treasurer ; Anthony S. Webb, ( P.C.R.” '

Bro. W. Birch, treasurer, in a few approriate words also eulogistically referred to Bro. Hamblett’s services. Ho knew Bro. Hamblett as a boy, and had watched with pleasure his success at his office work and at the Tent; he wished him continued success in his now sphere of labor.

The Rev. Bro. B. F. Bothwell stated

that ho was pleased to be present that afternoon, for he was one who believed in seeing merit rewarded. Ho had only recently joined the Tent, but as a brother he wished Bro. Hamblett every prosperity in the future.

Bro. Hamblett, in replying, thanked the brethren for their handsome gift. He had been very happy in assisting tho Tent in any way, and his duties had been a labor of love. All the brethren had worked harmoniously together, and had at all times been willing to assist him. Ho hod tho cause of Reehabitism at heart, and hoped the Tent would go on progressing, and bo a power for good. He again thanked them for th6ir gift, and for their many expressions of goodwill.